My good friend Aaron Smith-Levin presents a well-reasoned explanation of what is going on in Clearwater based on his considerable experience and knowledge. While specific to the situation in Clearwater he offers some interesting insight into the “think” that drives scientology through the actions and directives of David Miscavige.
I have not had time to comment very extensively on this subject of late. I had started but have not completed my own blog post focused on the consummate salesmanship skills of Miscavige – selling what is good for Miscavige to many smarter, more savvy people than the marks who run the City of Clearwater (e.g. the Federal Govt, Interpol, numerous successful and wealthy businessmen). The City of Clearwater officials are like a junior high team playing against the pros.
My view is slightly different than Aaron’s. I believe the primary motivation for Miscavige wanting the Aquarium lot on the bluff is to keep “wogs” away from the Ft Harrison, Oak Cove and SP Building and that if he doesn’t get that piece of property, the façade plans for Cleveland St will remain just that — a façade of plans, much like those for the Advanced Org in Africa, the ideal org in Detroit or the release of OT IX and X.
I may never get to completing that posting, so in the interim check out Aaron’s take:
Joetheta says
Good job Arron.it does make sense.
After the CofS invested so much $$$ renovating the Ft Harrison Hotel and the Oaks Hotel. Only to see them empty after all that expense.
The locals such as myself were attacked by Flag for renting rooms in our houses,even advertising rooms for rent to people moving here was considered a huge offense , and out ethics. One local OT8, was comm eved for advertising rooms for rent.
So after DM builds his downtown for Tom, will the locals be attacked for dining at home or shopping at the Mall, when they should be flowing $$$ to downtown. Thus keeping TC happy.
Liz Breckow says
While I can imagine the idea of any revitalization of downtown Clearwater is appealing I don’t think making any deal with Scientology is a good idea. Based on past actions and Scientology ‘vision’ it seems as though any improvements are highly unlikely to lead to sustained, whole population benefit. If Tom Cruise’s approval is the reason Miscavage is willing to lay out cash then that will be the only goal. How much time will Cruise actually spend in Clearwater and how easy it would be to sell him a facade? New storefronts and landscaping? Think plush and empty ideal orgs. Exciting new cineplex? Playing only Scientology propaganda and Tom Cruise movies. It’s difficult for me to believe Miscavage will follow through with anything that will truly lead to Clearwater wrestling its destiny away. Feels like a deal with the devil. Sure to bite you in the rear.
Philip Jones says
I think the whole downtown renovation is for the sole purpose of obtaining the land on the bluff. Then Miscavige will build a residence there so that he will have his own ‘penthouse’ apartment to rival his buddy Tom Cruise and likely they will have windows pointing at each other so they can wave to each other every morning.
L Yash says
What???? No “Jack N Jill” bathroom where they can meet and give the morning high five, thumbs up….. or hug….awww how sad is that???
Joetheta says
That’s F…..g funny.
WhatAreYourCrimes says
What an excellent video. I really hope the Clearwater town council sees this.
I especially love how ASL completely tips Miscavige’s negotiating cards: basically, don’t be enticed by his offer to renovate facades, he is going to spend the money whether he gets the parcel of land or not, all for Tom Cruise.
Way to go Aaron, to know people see right through his ploy must drive the little tyrant berserk.
threefeetback says
Dave,
China already has plenty of slam dunk cities, and Tom will point out the similarities of Clearwater to you. Then what?
T-Marie says
Excellent video.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Thanks.
costermonger says
I’m curious — does Miscavige have his own plane(s)? The St. Pete-Clearwater airport is fairly small and Tampa is 40 minutes away. There’s a general aviation airport in Clearwater for private aircraft. I wonder how easily Cruise would be able to fly in and out.
I have no idea how often paparazzi actually follow him these days, but I’m pretty confident that getting a photo of him with any new romantic interest would be worth a chunk of change. As a spectator sport, I’d love to see a cage match between the “get off my sidewalk” Scientologists vs the “I have a right to be here” paps.
It’s a little odd to me that the parcel of land in question is considered to be waterfront when there’s a freeway between it and the water, but whatever.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Well, i referred to it as waterfront, which is not really accurate. I also described it as being on a bluff that overlooks the water, which is the correct description.
L Yash says
You certainly don’t expect TC or DM to fly to Clearwater in a “public access aircraft” do you? Of course if there currently IS no private plane, I am sure one will be purchased to suffice the needs of the BFF of DM. Water view may also suffice for TC, after all he’s not about to stroll along a public beach either with a bunch of paparazzi in his face snapping pictures and a bevy of fans tagging along behind TC asking for autographs.
Of course, most importantly, won’t be seeing DM, the COB strolling along a Clearwater town or beach any time soon.
The question of the day would be IF and WHEN all of the hoped for plans come to fruition, what would happen to the current “Celeb Center”…would it be changed or moved to Clearwater FL???
flyingmythbusters says
It, the KPIE airport, is certainly large enough to accommodate the largest of business aircrafts. The Clearwater airpark can accommodate small bizjets but does not have a lot of room to park them. I’ve always sondered about the practicality of Travolta’s use of his 707. Should be in a museum; maybe maintained by him in flying condition.
flyingmythbuster says
wondered
PeaceMaker says
(this is a rewrite of a comment that apparently didn’t post, after a browser problem)
I really appreciate Aaron’s willingness to think outside the box, and even sort of play devil’s advocate.
It was reported, on Tony Ortega’s blog, I think, that in the meetings between Miscavige (and, apparently, Tom Cruise) and the Clearwater city council members, Scientology revealed that they want the waterfront parcel across from City Hall for a luxury hotel. I take that to mean that they plan a “ideal” hotel and resort, a celebrity center – or some combination of the two, presumably hoping that will be the thing that will finally bring in the masses of celebrities, celebrity hangers-on, and celebrity-dazzled “whales.” I think that Miscavige probably does want to please Cruise, but also sees Cruise as a potential recruiting draw, and views the new Clearwater plan as a way to attempt to create an “ideal” environment as a next great thing to try since the ideal orgs are failing.
The real downside I see, is if the Scientology plan really helps downtown, it will be in part because more tourists are visiting, and some of them will get sucked in to Scientology – probably not enough to reverse their decline, or even slow it down, but that still represents some further harm that will happen to people and their families.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
To Miscavige, any property he’s pitching to put up is a “luxury” property. All they want to do is put up another Oak Cove-ish (Oak Cove is the name of the hotel they currently have which is located behind the FH”.
This vacant lot sits directly next to the Oak Cove hotel. The lot is not big enough to truly build a big-ass luxury hotel, and they are not going to demo the Oak Cove hotel.
George M. White says
Former Catholics such as myself and Tom Cruise are especially vulnerable to
Hubbard’s Scientology. Cruise even spent some time studying to be a priest in
a monastery. The reasons why Catholics stick in Scientology are complex. I am lucky to have gotten out from Scientology. Cruise is not so fortunate. Maybe his retirement in
Clearwater will Clear his head.
centimental says
My understanding of the gospels became far much better after my scientology years, as if the Hubbard’s point of view on life gave me the missing keys to the Jesus statements : suddenly everything was clear in the goespels. And if you take only them, then Jesus philosophy is really really great ; it remains far much stronger, more beautiful and much safer for humanity than Hubbard’s philosophy.
Wynski says
Completely understandable centimental since L Con claimed to be Lucifer.
George M. White says
I agree
Deniece Slabaugh says
FYI confirmed for 10 pm tonight on CNN
after Jesus program is Scientology program
I Yawnalot says
Hasn’t Miscavige always operated on a squirrel version of, “build it and they will come…” type of approach so as to get new donaters to fill his coffers or milk the old ones for all they’re worth?
Sanity, logic and reason mix like oil and water in Miscavige’s mind. God knows what he really thinks because he hasn’t a clue half the time anyway (any wind sways him), the other half he spends gloating on thinking of ways to hurt people. He’s an out of control spoiled brat with unlimited funds and his own private religion to fool and lie to people with.
I hope I live to see the day he loses the lot and then is forced to sit all by himself during visiting hours.
PeaceMaker says
IY, I think Miscavige is just following Hubbard’s playbook of continually introducing “latest greatest” things to keep interest up and cashflow going, it’s just that he can’t do too much of that on the tech side and so has had to resort to doing on the MEST (material) side. Hubbard introduced “Hard Sell” and then 10% monthly price increases, emphasizing cash extraction over training and delivery, and Miscavige has just kept extending that idea. I think Miscavige has probably been more superficial, and more brutal about it, than Hubbard would have, but he’s still an apple that didn’t fall too far from the tree.
George M. White says
The Tampa Bay Times wrote in an editorial that they did not like that the Mayor of Clearwater met privately with Miscavige. It was only to split up the City Council and render it powerless. The Mayor just blew off the criticism. I hope the voters blow the Mayor off in the next election.
Anyway, I plan to get some sort of an anti-cult display in Clearwater. Perhaps somewhere where TC can see t often.
Cece says
Go for it George 🙂
George M. White says
Thanks CeCe.
I am refining a few ideas. I think Clearwater will one day be the
anti-Cult capital of the world!
JoAnna says
Gold Base near Hemet, CA with razor sharp spiked fences around the entire compound speaks volumes to what the scientology cult represents.
marildi says
A bit off topic, MIke, but tonight on CNN at 10:00 Pacific time, the series Aslan Reza has been doing, about different religions, is going to feature Scientology and the Dror Center in Israel.
zemooo says
Nice job Aaron, I can see that the proposed Clamwater Revitalization Program is indeed just another field of flowers for Tommy Cruise. With all the permanence those flowers had.
No matter how much time TC spends in Clamwater, no one is going to see him at the Starbucks or at the Dry Cleaners or anywhere else. His Hollywood ‘buddies’ may come to talk about business or some part in one of his self funded movies, but they won’t hang around either.
Tom Cruise’s reputation can’t even help Tom Cruise. how can he help Clamwater? Having the premiere of ‘Jack Racharound 12, This Time It is Really Serious, Seriously’ at the Ideal Clamaplex isn’t going to do any local person or business anything but one good night of sales.
Any business or government that puts its trust in Miscavage’s $cientology is past stupid.
Junk Phrases says
Is it just me, or does it strike anyone else as humorous and ironic that DM and TC, such “BIG beings” are so short? LOL I’m a 5’9″ female and would have to giggle at their real stature, both physically and personally.
Pat Gerrard says
lol……………I, too, am a 5’9″ woman and have always wondered WHY little, tiny TC is in all these testosterone flicks when there are so many MANLY men in Hollywood………JUST WONDERIN’
rogerHornaday says
I am about the same size as “little tiny TC” and I don’t feel little or tiny or less MANLY than my more stratospheric counterparts. At 5′ 8″ I am not the slightest bit uncomfortable around tall women, except of course when I’m embarrassed for them.
Jenyfur says
Roger,
If you’re 5’8″ then you’re a decent amount taller than DM or TC. There are reports (former tailor I believe) that DM, without lifts or heeled shoes, may be as short as 5’3″-5’4″ I believe. TC is reported to be 5’6″ at MOST.
The issue isn’t so much height however, it’s their stereotypical “short-man’s complex” they both wear around like a uniform!
rogerHornaday says
Confessedly I measure my height from the base of my platform shoes to top of my dunce cap.
It’s the only way I can get on the really good rides at Six Flags.
rogerHornaday says
An explanation has credibility when it causes what was senseless to make sense. Yes, this is all to impress Tom Cruise! Everything David Miscagive has schemed has been a resounding failure, a bullet to the foot, an embarrassing folly. Is there any reason to think his plan to revitalize Clearwater will be anything else? Tom Cruise moving to the city might give the town a little prestige for a while but I don’t think it’s enough to keep shops and restaurants in the black and pedestrians walking to and fro.
The problem is the creepy presence of the CoS. It is box office poison everywhere! If the city decides to let the church buy the property then I will get a devilish delight in the disastrous outcome. I say that because I’m disgusted by the city officials’ limp-wristed, subservience to Miscavige. If they make a deal with him they deserve what they get but I’m not so sure the citizens deserve it though.
Jen says
People won’t come in droves for celebrities unless it is an event or in California really, the celeb mecca of the U.S. but they would come for experiences and the possibility of seeing celebrities. Don’t build a hotel unless you have A. a theme park or well yes, an Aquarium, esp if it was environmentally forward and featured things like re homing man impacted animals back to their native spaces, also theme parks would do well or a museum or major gaming center. Arenas bring crowds, hotels bring office workers, day trippers and people having affairs. Seriously. A hotel and coffee shop and two or three high end boutique stores are not going to bring in the kind of city establishing, people through the door kind of change. First you have something people want to see, then you build hotels. How bout gambling? Is that legal there? Nothin says money like Baby Boomers on a bender losing their money in jingly, smoky (still) garish confines (as long as the soda is free). Also what is the median income? That tells you what is there and what people are willing (and able) to pay out for.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Just keep in mind that DM is NOT TRYING to revitalize downtown CW. He does not want any non-Scientologists coming downtown. But does want to make CW pretty for Tommy Boy. I agree with you…the renovations will NOT revitalize biz in Clearwater. BUT…DM will make sure the Scientologists patronize the new businesses that DM convinces to set up shop. It is DM’s reputation on the line; he will have sold these business-owners on the idea that if they open up shop, he will make sure the customers show up.
Joetheta says
The problem is,the Scientologist don’t have the money to keep the potential business afloat. Scientologist for the most part are not shopping at Banana Republic and dining at Carabas that frequently because all of their money goes to auditing, courses, IAS ,etc. An actual resturaunt will never make it in downtown Cw, because Wogs, oops I’m sorry NonScn will not go there and Scn dine at the resturaunts at Flag. When they do eat out ,they are not having wine and cocktails which is where a restursunt makes their profit. So Big Dave, ( being facietous ) is going to have a tough time filling up the new local businesses with the 2500 broke,local Scn.
That’s my 2 cents.
clearlypissedoff says
TC is a dick.
People that worship celebrities are in their own little celebrity cult. Just because a person can look pretty good, perform some carefully constructed stunts and kind of act doesn’t make them special. DM acts (lies) on the stage, standing on orange crates, all of the time – big deal.
Okay, said my piece… Gotta go watch golf and finish barbequing my chicken.
Old Surfer Dude says
And on top of that, he’s a little dick…
Deniece Slabaugh says
Off the topic here and information not verified. Friend told me CNN Sunday night is doing special on Scientolgy.
Thought you may want to check it out.
Cece says
It’s a CNN series called ‘Believer’. Tonight’s is focused on Scientology. It’s on at 9p here in Acton CA.
L Yash says
To view those auditing session as it is/was with Asan……..horrific to say the least. To “train the so called reactive mind” NOT to react to anything is a clear (no pun intended) indication of exactly WHY members of the organization have or show NO EMOTION….it’s be literally drained/trained or beaten out of them through those expensive auditing. Apparently to HAVE a “reaction” would mean the need for many more costly self paid auditing sessions….thus giving the COS even more $$$ to keep the Cash Cow fed.
Certainly as was stated with the Catholic Church, there were break offs into other religions with similar beliefs, the “Free-Zone Scientology” and the other smaller break off COS groups are going to have Scientology circling the drain even faster……..there simply CAN’T be more than ONE COB and his BFF Junior “side kick pal”…..that would NOT please LRon….would it???
Gus Cox says
Excellent perspective, Aaron – thanks very much for that.
It seems that COB’s plan for downtown Clearwater is Tom and Nicole’s field of flowers writ large. That hadn’t occurred to me and I find it hilarious. I have a feeling you may be absolutely right.
Even if it turns out Mike Rinder is correct – that Miscavige will drop His downtown plan – I hope to hell Clearwater proceeds with the purchase of that property regardless of COB’s plans. Rinder has the unfortunate experience of knowing Miscavige as well as anyone so it could go either way.
Harpoona Frittata says
Seems even more likely when you consider how badly lil davey punked TC by playing the homewrecker in no less than three of his marriages and planting spies in his households, not to mention going through his auditing sessions and sharing the juicy bits with his subordinates…after all that you can bet your last BT that lil davey owes him BIG time!
TC sold off most, if not all, of his real estate out West, didn’t he? So, it could be that since he’s got all the money in the world, and his career as a leading man/action hero pretty much jumped the shark with Jack Reach-around 2, that he’s re-locating to Florida and, umm, wherever else he might enjoy that isn’t Hollywood, where he and the cult have become a laughing stock and the target of endless jokes, derisive Youtube vids and downright obscene shoops!
If SPs are going to be too powerful for them to defeat without Elron’s return, then why not make CW the country’s first Cult City, USa and hole up with your best good butt buddy?
Deniece Slabaugh says
When I see a scientologist at a store, I let them know I am declared to see their reaction. How do you think the church is going to handle declared suppressive Persons visiting the downtown area?
zemooo says
You will trigger a facial recognition program when your picture is taken at the ‘Ideal Entry Point’ (Exit not allowed) and a private guard will be assigned to follow you and pick your pockets.
If you are on the double secret important SP list, a Police Officer on CO$ time will follow you around.
If the ‘Security’ people really don’t like you, a team of flaming a**holes will push you around until you take a swing at one of them and than a real nasty beat down will ensue. The cameras will not pick up anything but your self defense and you will be charged with Assault and Battery.
The Ideal Clearwater Justice System (organized like the Vatican) will find you guilty and you will be to the Ideal RPF, or an actual chain gang. Most will choose the chain gang. Better food and more sleep will ensue.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
The Church cannot do a damn thing about declared SPs visiting the downtown area. Even a Scientology business owner cannot prevent a declared SP from shopping in their store or eating in their restaurant.
If any of them try that, they will find themselves on YouTube and the local news right quick
PeaceMaker says
Aaron, on the one hand I think you have a point about being realistic, and on the other given Scientology’s track record and Miscavige’s paranoia, I can imagine them trying to create an “ideal scene” enthata-free zone that includes keeping out SPs. I would guess that as has happened with the minorities in the past – and, sadly, still does today – SPs might find themselves followed by security, and having trouble getting good service even if not being blatantly denied service. Scientology could follow their typical playbook of pushing things right up to the line, not doing anything that that they could really be charge with (or that made good YouTube video), and then claiming that any who complained were just troublemaking apostates and bigots out to try to make Scientology look bad. I vaguely recall that some of the staff from the old Lisa McPherson Trust, an perhaps other SPs, have documented just such treatment.
tony-b says
Aaron: I don’t get your logic that DM’s downtown renovations would be a good thing for the city as a whole and think it would be a socioeconomic disaster. I agree he doesn’t want wogs downtown and will do his best to keep them out. Your analogy with an outdoor mall is apt but malls operate on the principle that it is a private land development and polices who goes and who hangs out there. Why would anyone, especially national franchises, locate their business in downtown CW where wog tourists were decidedly NOT welcome and the number of scis visiting town is dwindling? The church wants its adherents spending every penny (and more) in the church so there is not a lot of discretionary money for them to spend in run-of-the-mall stores. The Sea Ogres seem to have neither money nor time to enjoy non-sci services or things and you are right about their robotised filing down the street from bus to mysterious doorways is downright spooky. DM doesn’t want these people anywhere near WOGs enjoying a fun-filled happy life lest they ask questions and get ideas.
Now if Mister Cruise is settling in town it is to find a nest of comfort. I hardly see him wandering down the street in public. Even if he did, a $multi-million facade movie set is a bit rich to be spent just for his benefit.
I seem to recall that DM talked about the Super Power White Elephant that took years to complete being their cathedral that would welcome all. What a con that was. Why should citizens of Clearwater believe anything he says given the track record of chronic lying.
grathuln says
If the church of scientology renovates downtown Clearwater surely all it will be is a facade. People will still not come to downtown Clearwater and so the place will still have that nowhere to go and nothing to do ghost town feel to it. Sure the church of scientology can pay businesses to come to downtown Clearwater and stay open without customers but surely the customers are what give the place the feel of being alive. Something Tom Cruise ought to pick up on after a while, even he might start to pick up on the fact most people are Sea Org and businesses appear empty.
I do not know how Tom Cruise spends his days when he is not in front of a camera or doing scientology but surely he will want places to go that are alive, that feel like this is the place to be; okay so he is getting on a bit but a single guy has to mingle, right?
Maybe David Miscavige is thinking of modelling Clearwater after The Truman Show, a nice big bubble world for Tom. Businesses employ sea org staff and sea org staff act as customers, give them something fun to do for a change I guess, although they never actually do business it all being just pretend.
Mike I am really interested in your take on this because ASL’s take makes a lot of sense but also raises questions such as the above. Please take the time to add your 2 cents. As always, time will tell.
Mike Rinder says
I added my comment to the post about believing the issue relates to keeping wogs out.
I don’t subscribe to the idea that Tom Cruise will be a benefit to Clearwater — he is not known in these parts as a movie star, he is known as a scientology spokesperson. It’s not going to be a draw for people to know that Clearwater is even MORE “Scientology City” because their biggest pitch-man also lives there.
But who knows. As the old saying goes, nobody ever went broke operating on the belief that the American public is dumb — or driven by a fascination with celebrities…
grathuln says
Thank you for your response. 🙂
chuckbeattyexseaorg75to03 (Clearwater Scientology 75-1983) says
The people who are in Tom’s life, will have as this luxury apartment, a house to stay in while doing their Flag services, not just for Tom will this two floor apartment be used.
I suspect that also Tom may entertain, have guests, and some will like to stroll within a block or two to enjoy a Nordstrom’s, etc, etc.
And the movie theatre planned, that is something that the Sea Orgers will utilize on their “libs” days, and for when Tom buys out the theatre for gifting guests, and I recall even being gifted with special movie showings by Travolta, I remember “Getting Shorty” was given by Travolta, one time, for special viewing at one of the big company guest showing mini theatres they use to show off their movies to small groups.
I’m sure IF this all goes to what could be seen as positive, I’d think the shops and theatre mall planned within walking distance, will at least draw Scientologists who are Flag public to move into the area downtown, potentially.
All this though, the required attendance at te Fort Harrison and Sandcastle, of regular public, will give the visiting richer Scientologists places.
I remember even saving up to spend a few dollars at Maas Brothers when it was down there.
And I remember going to the Capitol for a movie, or to the other Malls. As a Sea Orger in my years, 1976-1983 there.
mimsey borogrove says
A) Ever since I first heard of this revitalization plan – I knew it was about DM pandering Tom Cruise. So I appreciate Aaron’s video a lot.
B) Tom, like most billionaires, will not spend a lot of time in Clearwater. If he’s not at one of his other houses, or schmoozing producers in Hollywood, he will be on the other side of the world, on set, shooting hisfilms. Maybe he will be there 4 weeks out of the year for his 6 mos. checks.
C) He certainly won’t be strolling through the streets of Clearwater – all his auditors, course supervisors, twins, examiners etc.will be servicing him at his condo.
D) Much like his character Ethan Hunt, he will slip through the cracks of southern Florida like a shadow.
Mimsey
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Yes, it will absolutely just be a facade. There will be real businesses behind the facades. And the local Scientologists will be ordered to patronize the stores. Time will tell if that volume of business is sufficient to keep everyone in the black, or if the local non-Scientologists will venture to shop down town. I’m hopeful it will work. There’s no reason to want downtown businesses to fail or to want downtown CW to keep being a piece of crap. But I’m not terribly optimistic.
chuckbeattyexseaorg75to03 (Clearwater Scientology 75-1983) says
13:40 Wow! So the bottom line is Miscavige is doing this for Tom Cruise’s benefit only! Well the unintended longer range result will be at least some renovated buildings, which hopefully can be repurposed once the Westworld motif Scientology cult mmembers move out of Clearwater, sometime up the road when Scientology longer range withers.
So many longrange unintended consequences to this movement that L. Ron Hubbard started up.
Rather than “Clearing” Clearwater, the Scientology strategy is at best only renovating buildings, which hopefully will long range be repurposed when Westworld motif Scientology withers.
Maybe Scientology in Clearwater can think of doing something genuinely virtuous that citizens in Clearwater actually would respect.
Aaron, I hope Aaron becomes a local interviewer of Clearwater citizens, and gets their views.
I’d like to see ex Scientologists talk to local Clearwater people, and get their views.
If official Scientology can’t interact, then it’d be nice to get ex Scientologists to interact and listen to the local people.
Tom Provenzano says
Chuck the “churches” purpose is no longer clearing. They have shifter to being experts in renovations! They do now what they do best>
civmar says
Tom Cruise Crazy, sung by Molly Lewis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRvm0PfayR8
Mat Pesch says
When Tom Cruise started visiting the INT base it began a severe down turn for the place. I have no doubts the same will occur at Flag. The more time TC spends there and the more he tries to be involved with Flag and Scientology, the greater the negative effect. Realize that Miscavige has zero respect for his parents, Sea Org members, rich Scientologists, non Scientologists, etc. He lives in the world of a sociopath where everything is about him and his imagined greatness. Being friends with Tom legitimizes this in his mind. Its importance to Miscavige can not be over stated. When a mud slide ruined a cottage at the INT base intended for TC, Miscavige lost his mind, wrong targeted all the staff at the INT base and did everything possible to make them pay by making their lives a nightmare. Some years ago TC was at Flag and he was being taken care of by an extremely valuable Sea Org member. That Sea Org member made the mistake of calling TC “Tom” instead of “Mr. Cruise”. That Sea Org member was sent packing and never saw his wife again. If TC sits in Clearwater and makes off the cuff comments, “suggestions”, negative observations, etc, Miscavige will tear the place up. I hope these two self appointed “BIG BEINGS” intend to join forces to “save the day”. While I feel sorry for the Sea Org members there, in the end it will set many of them free.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
That is an absolutely wonderful point, that actually had not even crossed my find. Tom’s presence is Clearwater is going make life absolutely fucking miserable for the Sea Org members on the base.
Anything relating to Tom is going to be SO DAMN IMPORTANT that any slightest complaint from Tom about anything will result in people pulling all-nighters or people going to the RPF.
Such a good point.
Aquamarine says
A very point. What’s needed is “Too Gruesome”. I’m of the opinion that in order to route out or blow SOs need to themselves experience actual abuse and severe injustice – how much would depend on the individual. If Miscavige becomes obsessed with Cruise and they begin getting abused I’d say it was good news, along the line of things being “darkest before the dawn”.
Aquamarine says
Edit: A very GOOD point. God, I’m making so many typos lately.
Old Surfer Dude says
Let’s hope so…
McCarran says
I remember in late 2004 my auditor told me that they had to call TC “Sir.” I got the sense this pissed off my auditor.
Aquamarine says
“That Sea Org member was sent packing and never saw his wife again.”
No words.
I Yawnalot says
Do you think that TC is fully aware that SO members are punished if they “accidentally” called him Tom? Or other slips of socially minded innocence?.For someone never to be allowed to see his wife again for such a thing is beyond comprehension. I wish them much evil to come their way if such things occur.
Aquamarine says
Look at it this way, Yawn: if he knew, would he give a damn?
This is the guy who sent his teenaged niece away from his home as some sort of ethics particle who needed to make long term amends because she was found on the estate kissing a guy.
Kissing – that’s what I read. Nothing more. And she was what? 15, 16, something like that?
Meanwhile, its fine by him (and Co$) to have a live in girlfriend, get her pregnant and wait 6 months after the birth of their baby to marry the mother of his child (this would be Katie Holmes, of course).
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being pejorative about that. There’s nothing wrong with that, in my view.
But, oh, the hypocracy, the double standard between what his little niece can do and what ‘s just totally fine for Mr. Tom “And then there is Me” Cruise.
Don’t forget that Co$ also referred to Mike Rinder’s lovely wife Christie as his “paramour” because they lived together before marriage, due to Mike’s divorce being stalled by Co$ for years.
In light of the above, why would TC give a rat’s ass about the sorry fate of any hapless SO who inadvertently blundered by addressing him on a first name basis instead of “Sir”, or “Mr. Cruise”?
Of course, millions of his fans refer to him familiarly and affectionately as “Tom”, but no, the SOs, who work their asses off from dawn to dusk, 24/7, need to show him “respect”.
Sickening.
Tom Cruise is an individual with something very wrong with him, mentally.
I wouldn’t put much past him in the callousness and cruelty departments.
Idle Morgue says
In my humble opinion – Tom Cruise is moving to Clearwater because he can’t get relief anywhere else and he believes, like many OAT TEAS – that OAT TEAS must be around other OAT TEAS because L Con Blubbard said so
Tom Cruise is such a loser. Three failed marriages and no friends. He believes he is a big bean – 3rd down from the food chain. HOLDS hand parallel with floor and says…”First there is LRH”…then lowers hands 6 inches to forhead…and says…”then there is SEE OH BEE”…lowers hand two inches …and says…then there is “ME”.
The side effect of Oat Tea is “thinks he is something when he is nothing but a fool”.
He can’t get no respect in Hollywood…he does not know who to trust due to the Super Powerz of Katie Holmes clever divorce strategies….
Moving to Clearwater – this is so common in Scientology it has become SOP in Scientology. Especially for the big bean Oat Teas.
How many Oat Teas do you know out of the tiny group that have not died of cancer yet – that eventually move to Clearwater? Hell – Even the peon pre Clears move there. Then they typically come back or move somewhere else.
There is a whole lot of moving going on in Scientology. It’s musical chairs. Intended to keep people disappearing so when they are murdered, put in the HOLE or RPF – no one even gives it a second thought. Very clever.
People move from place to place trying to get relief from their “analytical minds” that tell them something is wrong but they can’t spot it because Scientology trained them to not look, not think and that it must be their fault.
Tom Cruise is on the road to losing his mind. Mark my words – this is not going to end well for him.
Slappy will get his last dime and then discard him without sorrow. He will end up on the streets of LA begging for money and living under a bridge drooling in a beer can.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Excellent point. For a big being like Tom it must be lonely at the top, surrounded by so many 1.1 DBs in Hollywood. I think you’ve nailed it.
But I’ll say that Tom still has quite some clout in Hollywood. He’s still a box office performer. He’s still a huge hitter over seas. But, even if the Hollywood Elite are still willing to kiss his butt, he knows they don’t REALLY get him the way his BFF Davey does. And they don’t REALLY respect him the way Scientologists do.
PeaceMaker says
From what I can tell, Cruise is getting a reputation for being difficult to work with, keeps generating negative PR (mostly due to Scientology, in one way or another), and is suffering from lagging popularity and decreasing box office draw; plus he’s become so good at “regging” (hardball negotiating) for salary and especially “back end” profits that films involving him are not producing good returns for investors (Forbes magazine did an analysis on that). He also hasn’t even been nominated for a major industry word in years and years, since around the time that he got heavily re-involved in Scientology.
I’m not sure exactly what his prospects are, but he’s probably getting too old to be the leading man in too many if any more blockbuster action films, and he would have to reinvent himself to avoid an embarrassing decline. His two films that are coming out this year, whose delays are probably partly due to his problems, will be telling, and I don’t think that either looks too promising.
He will long be a significant figure, unless he really gets in a PR disaster – which, given his history, is not an impossibility. But I’m not sure how much of an asset he will be for Scientology, or for Clearwater. What was that small town that some star bought lock, stock, and barrel, right before her career went on the skids?
lkjlkjadfas says
Kim Basinger & Braselton, GA, an extreme outer exurb of Atlanta.
L Yash says
If this newly planned or dream condo in Clearwater, FL is built to TC’s high standards and expectations and fully staffed with Sea Org members who will move Heaven and Earth to do all they can for the “Lord and Master Jr”……I am sure TC “if DM builds it, TC will come”. No doubt DM will have his own choice condo as well to keep him happy.
What could be better than an ocean view condo, one laid out to please his “Highness TC ” first, and/or any future wife he might bring along with him. Three marriages to incredibly beautiful women, followed by three divorces, what could these former wives be doing that’s causing these divorces?
So far two adopted children who are “ins”, who have little to no contact with their adoptive mother NK, and a biological TC child who has not seen her father in a few years…….yet TC seemingly continues to seek his “perfect match”…..one has to question WHY he has NOT found his perfect mate WITHIN COS itself?
Gus Cox says
Like his tour bus, I’m sure Cruise will refuse to set foot in his condo until COB does a final walk-through and approves of it. COB has to make sure the light bulbs have been dusted and all that, you know. So silly.
Aquamarine says
Ha Ha! Katie Holmes’ “Superpowerz” – her still intact basic common sense, her father’s well honed lawyerly skills, and some handy burner phones. Beautiful! Wherever you are, Katie, here’s another well deserved “Attagirl!”. You socked it but good to that creep. He never knew what hit him. WELL done!
LDW says
Great video, Aaron. Hope the city watches it.
Ever wonder how strange it is that with all of the most powerful OTs on the planet amassed in one little town, they haven’t even made the slightest dent in “clearing clearwater?”
With over 100,000 people in Clearwater, I bet they’ve barely got 10 residents even vaguely interested.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Exactly. Great point. The only way Scientology could bring “calm” or “sanity” to a community is to make sure that community is completely desolate, empty of all people.
If they assembled all the local Clears and held a rally at the intersection of FH and Cleveland, maybe they could claim to have cleared an entire community!
Old Surfer Dude says
Really? Ten residents? I may be wrong, but, I was thinking 3.
L Yash says
No doubt those of you who have NOT yet been “Declared” are STILL being counted as members of CO$…..they can’t afford to “officially kick you out”….they desperately need the head count numbers to show how “the organization is growing”…..to officially “declare” any of you and ex-communicate you” would hurt membership stats too much and have people thinking “why do they build al these churches when membership is falling”. The Catholic Church has closed many of it’s Church Parishes due to falling membership and have gone to the extent of combining several Catholic Parishes together and even “renaming” a former Church. Yet this organization continues to spend mega bucks renovating buildings to serve the so called needs of a continually falling “congregation” . You can fool some of the people, but then some can see right through the Kool Aide haze.
If you are not yet “officially declared”….does that mean you ARE or ARE NOT “officially an SP”….if not declared then shouldn’t you be allowed to attend all these lovely events and to see your family members….and friends.
gato rojo says
Yes indeed. But you can make a graph about the huge percentage of Clearwater scientologists compared to “wog” locals….96.5% Graph exploding out the top…cue crescendo music, sound effects….standing ovation!!!!!!
Mat Pesch says
Spot on.
Idle Morgue says
ASL – you think Tom Cruise moving to downtown Clearwater is a positive?
I don’t get it.
He is obviously a nut case who hangs out with one of the World’s most notorious criminal cult leaders who has blood dripping from every inch of his body….David Miscavige.
Furthermore, Tom Cruise exploits Sea Org Slaves Sea Org members for his own benefit.
He has ruthlessly defended this evil cult after getting special treatment he has very covertly kept from the press….secret dating service compliments of COB – David MIscavige. Sea Org Slaves making a “field of dreams” so Miscavige can help Tom swoon Nicole Kidman to get her trapped in the cult…etc.
I don’t quite understand some of your opinions…but that is okay.
You are free to speak.
and so am I.
Aaron SL says
Granting hat everything you have just said is true, Tom Cruise moving to Clearwater is a negative thing for Clearwater because why?
LDW says
I think it would be wonderful to have Tom in town. Several dozen Paparazzi hanging around Clearwater taking pictures all day long and bringing nationwide attention to the city. Think of how many security guards will get very lucrative jobs keeping the riff raff away from Tom and Dave. That’s one way to bolster the local economy.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
To be clear, you’ve articulated a bunch of negative things about Tom Cruise, which we can agree are true, but you have not articulated why his presence in the City of Clearwater would be a negative for the city of Clearwater.
Aquamarine says
Idle, I think Aaron Smith-Levin is looking from the viewpoint of Tom Cruises fame and celebrity with respect to his opinion concerning the benefits of his residence and continuing presence in Clearwater. Its a given that we live in a celebrity obsessed culture and possibly some people will decide to vacation in this beach town because of his being there. Certainly, his living there will not HURT the Clearwater economy. Now, having said that, please don’t assume that I like him; I frankly can’t stand the guy and unlike my respect for John Travolta’s work have never been a fan of his Tom Cruise’s acting talent. He is a celebrity though. That’s just a fact.
Marti Carlson says
Terrific well-articulated logical informative presentation! Thanks!
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Thanks Marti!
Dan says
I have watched a few of Aarons videos now and he does great work. I liked his series with Mike, the conversation flowed very easily and they gave me some insight to some things I had not heard before.
OhioBuckeye says
How do we know Mr. Cruise is in fact , going to move to Clearwater? Is this a case of “build it and he will come”? And if he does, why would this be a good thing for Clearwater?
Sounds to me like Miscavige quite literally is intent on building ‘Scientology City’. No doubt the downtown development backed by Scn will overwhelmingly contain businesses and franchises owned by scientologists. Add in the waterfront property and you will end up with a nice playground for scientology whales and celebrities, but not for the families who have lived and worked in Clearwater all their lives.
Feedback I have heard from friends in Clearwater – Residents , make it your mission to attend City Council meetings; contact your city/ward/precinct/council representative to make sure the City Revitalization project gets on the public agenda; see what it will take to get the matter to a referendum vote.
To quote Mr. O’Hara: : “Do you mean to tell me, Katie Scarlett O’Hara……that land doesn’t mean anything to you? Why, land is the only thing in the world worth workin’ for, worth fightin’ for, worth dyin’ for, because it’s the only thing that lasts. “
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Reasons it could be positive for the City of Clearwater are:
— The chance that the presence of of the world’s biggest movie stars would actually increase the likelihood of people (tourists / locals / non-Scientologists) to downtown Clearwater, and bring with them their spending dollars. .
— The chance that the presence of of the world’s biggest movie star would increase the property values of the homes in the vicinity of downtown Clearwater.
— The chance that the presence of of the world’s biggest movie stars would actually increase the likelihood of people of LEGIT national retailers being willing to come to downtown Clearwater.
You don’t have to like the guy to be able to admit that he is a legit giant movie star. He is still one of the most famous and recognizable people in the world. This factors have legit value, whether he’s a Scientologist or not.
MM says
Tom Cruise is not the world’s biggest movie star.
https://amp.businessinsider.com/top-10-movie-stars-2016-12
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Shit. Typo. I meant to say “one of”, not “of of”.
PeaceMaker says
MM, thanks for that.
I did some research into this a little while ago, when Cruise was last in the news. He is not in the top 10 by most other rankings, but I think he is 5th in salary – apparently because he is so good as his own form of “regging” (hard sell negotiations), but that has also left his pictures not giving very good returns to investors because he negotiates deals for so much of the “back end” (net profits, including foreign), which is probably going to hurt him in the future. His movies’ grosses have also been declining.
I was also interested to note that he has never won an Academy Award and hasn’t been nominated for a major industry award like an Oscar in years and years, basically not since he got back seriously into Scientology. I looked up a couple of Scientology’s other biggest “stars” and they follow largely the same pattern, no serious industry recognition and a dropoff even in nominations since they got heavily involved. I suspect that Scientology somehow dulls their artistic edge, and like scientologists’ businesses they mostly end up focused on hype and image rather than real delivery.
MM says
Thanks for your insightful comment PeaceMaker.
In spite of what L. Ron Hubbard says about the value of artists and how they must be free, (read Science of Survival) once an artist gets involved with Scientology, their goals shift and artistic expression takes a back seat to dissemination. Call it art with an agenda.
PeaceMaker says
Also, Hubbard himself should have been a shining example of artistic achievement – and yet he was really mostly a hack, and his last work, rather than being his magnum opus, is hard to even rate seriously. When I was looking into that, I noted that all of his highly regarded works were written (or published) in 1940, a uniquely fertile period that he never again could duplicate.
OhioBuckeye says
I somewhat agree that revitalization of downtown, even anchored by TC and Scn could be good for Clearwater. But, I see the retail economic value of that as a short term solution. Mr. Cruise’s star is on the wane; Scientologist or not, he is aging . I just don’t think he has the staying power or a fan base of, say Sean Connery or Clint Eastwood for instance, to be a tourist draw. In addition, the CoS is already the largest property owner downtown and it appears that hasn’t amounted to a windfall of tourism or economic growth.
Of deeper concern, is the sale of the ‘aquarium lot’ to the church. This property should be developed and made available to all citizens as a legacy environment for the future. Besides, the secrecy of the City Council member meetings with Miscavige and the ” glitch” that prevented the already agreed upon sale to the city…just smells.
No doubt you have read the latest editorial in the Tampa Bay Times, but I have included the link for our other bloggers. Makes for an interesting read, to say the least.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-clearwater-officials-should-not-surrender-to-church-of/2317687
As always, you continue to enlighten and ignite discussion. I appreciate what you do.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Excellent comment OhioBuckeye, I completely agree.
rogerHornaday says
OhioBuckeye, thanks for the link to the article! You have to love the Tampa Bay Times, they are NOT beating around the bush. They are using the word CAPITULATE to describe the city officials and Mayor Cretekos answering the “summons” of David Miscavige. They’re telling it loudly that it was demeaning and disrespectful to the residents of the city for them to circumvent public meeting requirements by meeting one-on-one! They’re calling for the church to COME OUT OF THE SHADOWS!
Now that is a proper dressing down and is cathartic to all who feel scientology should be dealt with as the deceitful enterprise everybody knows it is.
Idle Morgue says
Tom Cruise is not the goo goo star he used to be. He ruined his reputation when the crazy behavior coupled with his viral “what do you say…let’s clean this place up” video went viral.
Tom Cruise is in Clearwater because he is in a cult whose Mecca of evil is Clamwater Florida.
If having Tom Cruise in Clearwater would help Clearwater…how come Tom Cruise in Scientology does not help Scientology.
When you really look at what Tom Cruise did to Scientology – he actually did MORE HARM to Scientology than any other being besides David Miscavige.
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Idle Morgue, that’s a good point.
I guess my only answer would be that I think there’s a greater liklihood of people shopping in Downtown Clearwater hoping to get a glimpse or autograph from Tom Cruise, then there is a people joining Scientology just because Tom is a Scientologist.
Don’t get me wrong…I don’t think Tom’s presence will revitalized CW, or make the retail business a success. Whether those two things happen do not hinge on Tom Cruise. I’m just saying that I think his presence in CW is more of a positive for CW than it is a negative.
But as Mat Pesch pointed out, Tom’s presence in Clearwater is going to make life for SO members at Flag a living nightmare, and will likely result in many Sea Org members leaving Flag.
I agree with what you’ve said that Tom has actually done MORE HARM to Scientology than good. I’d not even considered that before, but it’s true.
Aquamarine says
Yes! Tom Cruise will be Clearwater’s Freak Show Attraction. The papparazzi will descend en masse. They’ll be following him around. “Tom Cruise cools off eating an ice cream cone, he’s just like us!” Can’t wait. Let the fun begin. And they’ll be noticing that his daughter Suri is never with him. Count on it.
My Inner Space says
Wow it’s kind of creepy. It’s like he’s buying a huge present for his boyfriend. I’m beginning to think all religions are alike. I was born and raised a Catholic. And when a Catholic Church needs a new roof or a new boiler they don’t write Rome and ask for a grant. They take up an extra collection and fundraise even though the church has it’s own bank and is one of the wealthiest religions in the world. They don’t spend a lot on good works unless it’s in their own interests. And on and on.
omegapaladin says
Respectfully, self-sufficiency in local churches is a virtue, not a vice. Most churches spend the central funds on mission activities and charity in areas that can’t afford being self-sufficient. People who can pay for the new boiler pay so that those *can’t* pay for the boiler get a grant. From my experience the local association / diocese / etc is paying for a lot of stuff including schools and hospitals.
Scientology actually spends its cash on buildings with doing any mission / outreach activities to fill them with people. There is no interest in the people who can’t pay.
Ann B Watson says
Thank you Mike. Aaron’s take on all this is enlightening for me as regards dm think or no- think! I know what you mean about only so many hours in 24 to get everything done. Love & Support to you Always. ????
Tom says
Artist rendering of tom cruise’s condo tower in Clearwater : http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/lotr/images/f/f9/Barad-dur.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120303195552
Tom says
Also, ProTips for Aaron: 1) Remove or refrain from biased words when addressing others with out your center of gravity, like ‘con’. That it may be, but you want them to Look and make up their own minds. Biased wordings just invite them to short-circuit and stop listening.
2) the argument that DM is doing it for TC, is interesting, but again, without the benefit of perspective. Mark Headly gives some great background on DM’s ‘sets and props’ mentality re: TC and NK, planting a field of wildflowers in the california desert…..what could possibly go wrong?
Last, it is laughable that DM and TC want to build a cineplex shrine in Clearwater….I can see it now, in 10 years showing re-runs of TC movies 24×7. People aren’t going to the movies anymore. It is safer (and cheaper) to stay home and binge watch. Thanks for the vid!
Aaron Smith-Levin says
Thanks for commenting.
I do refrain from using charged words in my videos, and take into account the intended audience. This is why I don’t constantly call Scientology a cult in my videos. Most of my videos are intended not just for Scientology-watchers, but for people still in or on the fence.
The only people who would object to my statement that the Church is conning the mayor (as opposed to saying “tricking” or “fooling” or “deceiving”) is someone who was sympathetic to Scientology.
The intended audience for this video is not people who are sympathetic to Scientology.
The example you give from Marc Headley only serves to reinforce the point I’ve made in my video. DM made SO members work day and night to make Int Mgmt as pretty as possible for Tom and even went so far as to plant fields of flowers for Tom and Nic to run through if they wanted.
This kind of craziness is EXACTLY why DM is willing to sink 10s of millions of dollars into downtown CW so that Tom won’t have to live in the middle of an abandoned business district. What is the perspective you feel I’m lacking exactly?
Lastly, people still go to the movies in droves. Clearwater does have a nice set of movie theaters at the Countyside Mall; it’s 7 miles outside of downtown though. Those theaters get TONS of business. The SO members LOVE to go to the movies on the rare occasion they get the chance. If there’s a theater right downtown (that Tom is part owner in) I GUARANTEE that COB will be “gifting” Sea Org members trips to the movies more often, especially if it’s a Tom Cruise movie.
Harpoona Frittata says
Your first point goes right to the heart of the question of whether or not to refer to $cn as a cult, rather than as a religion. “Cult” is definitely a charged and pejorative term, but there’s just not another English term that captures the entire constellation of high-demand and high-control attributes that characterize its essential nature so concisely.
For that reason, I call $cn a cult, but define what my criteria are for classifying it as such early on, so I can use the word “cult” as short hand for “a membership group that exerts high-demand pressures and uses high-control tactics on its members”.
So, from that perspective, since $cn does make demonstrably false claims about the services that it sells, it is engaging in fraudulent business activities that are accurately described in the vernacular as a “con”. The fact that $cn’s status as a bonafide federal tax-exempt charitable religious organization has, thus far, given it immunity from criminal prosecution doesn’t mean that standardly defined fraud has not taken place. It most certainly has and, for that reason,
I believe calling $cn out as both a con and a cult is completely justified, just as long as you make clear exactly what you mean by using those short hand, vernacular terms. Personally, I like to describe it as a “killer cult” that operates like an organized crime syndicate to “con” its marks out of tens of thousands, even millions, of dollars.
OhioBuckeye says
AS & HF — I’m thoroughly enjoying these exchanges. “Wordsmithing” is somewhat a hobby of mine.
When considering the CoS, I fall back on the old adage : ‘ Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck…..it’s a duck. Now you can hang a sign around its neck that says ‘horse’.. but it’s still a duck. Hanging the sign of ‘tax exempt, religion, 501-3c’ around the neck of scientology doesn’t necessarily make it so.
Aquamarine says
We’re happy to have you here, OhioBuckeye. I’m interested in the posts of an interested Never In such as yourself.